North Carolina Zoo: Layla, a Newborn Sand Cat

The North Carolina Zoo announced on Thursday that they had adopted a tiny sandcat. Representatives from the zoo stated that the tiny cat could fit in a cup of tea. They named her Layla.

The sandcat looked happy and cheerful with its fluffy fur and wispy whiskers. Wildlife officials warn that these wild animals can be dangerous and should not be kept as pets.

Sand cats are native to North Africa, Arabian Peninsula and North Africa. They search the deserts for poisonous snakes and other creatures. Because sand cats hunt at night, people cannot see them.

These species are cared for by the North Carolina Zoo. The sandcat was welcomed at the North Carolina Zoo on October 10, .

Officials from wildlife said that the sandcat is the smallest type of feline. It was born to mother Najma, and father Cosmo. It is also expected to weigh in at least 8 pounds.

Layla and her mother have very limited contact with zoo staff or animal keepers. They live in a desert habitat because of the coronavirus restrictions.

Other parts of the North Carolina o are also open to the public. To help stop the spread of the pandemic, however, advanced ticket requirements are required and there are other protocols.